The National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) has unveiled the programme for its 2026 Annual Convention, bringing together industry leaders, event organisers, safety professionals and policymakers to address two of the most significant agendas facing the outdoor events industry: protecting people and building relationships within communities.
Taking place on Thursday 26 November, the day after the association’s annual awards, the convention will be deliberately divided into two themes. The morning will focus on safety, security and resilience, before the afternoon turns to the relationship between events, communities and local government.
The convention opens with a keynote from Figen Murray OBE, whose campaigning following the Manchester Arena attack has been instrumental in the development of Martyn’s Law. Her contribution will set the context for a wider discussion on Resilience in the Events Industry, exploring the legislation, responsibilities and changing expectations that will shape the future of event safety.
The session will bring together expertise from across security and event operations, including representatives from NaTSCO, Controlled Events and Vespasian Security, to examine how the industry can prepare for an increasingly complex operating environment.
The programme then turns to another growing challenge with Red Hot: Red Weather Warning, a session examining how extreme weather is changing the way outdoor events are planned, insured and delivered. From rising temperatures and audience welfare to insurance implications and operational decision-making, the discussion will explore the practical consequences of increasingly unpredictable conditions. Contributors will bring perspectives from event management, insurance, medical provision and local authority operations.
Following lunch, the convention shifts its focus to community impact, recognising that the long-term success of outdoor events depends as much on the relationships they build as the experiences they deliver.
Events and Communities: Working Together to Benefit All will examine how organisers can create mutually beneficial relationships with the places that host them. The discussion will also confront the challenges of community opposition, local expectations and ensuring that the economic, social and cultural benefits of events are understood and shared. Contributors include representatives from 2000 Trees, NCASS and ASAO.
The programme will also explore The Importance of Volunteers, looking at recruitment, retention, welfare and the vital role volunteers play in connecting events with their local communities. The session will consider how volunteering is changing and what organisers must do to support the people who contribute so much to the industry’s success.
The convention concludes with Discussing Devolution and What it Means for Events, examining how changing structures of local and regional government could influence funding, decision-making and support for events in 2027 and beyond. With contributions including the Tourism Alliance and NCASS, the discussion will explore how the industry can strengthen its voice and influence within an evolving political landscape.
The NOEA Convention 2026 takes place on Thursday 26 November, with further programme details and speaker announcements to follow.
Author: Sam Hyland
Sam is the assistant content manager for Event Industry News (EIN). Sam is involved in publishing news stories, videos and podcasts. Sam also collates the latest stories for the EIN e-newsletter. If you have a press release or story you think we might be interested to know about please email features@eventindustrynews.com
